In its 31st year, the annual Folk Alliance International Conference announces their offical showcase lineup, being held from February 13-17, 2019, in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

The conference is a gathering of the folk music industry and community. It crosses a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Francophone, Global Roots, Indigenous, Latin, Old Time, Traditional, Singer-Songwriter, and Spoken Word. And it’s all held inside a hotel, with hotel rooms converted into live music spaces!

The conference hopes to reflect the full diversity of international folk music, and while scoring applications jurors are asked to consider how well the applicant helps broaden the view and offering of folk music for presenters, industry, and audience.

Previous attendees and performers include: John Oates, Neyla Pekarek of The Lumineers, Peggy Seeger and many more. Over 1000 artists (a 30% increase over the previous year) from 28 countries applied for 180 Official Showcase slots.

The offical lineup represents 180 artists from 23 countries, including no less than six Australian representatives such as The Maes (fka The Mae Trio), Mission Songs Project, STAV, Jordie Lane, Indigenous singer/songwriter Shellie Morris and Emily Warramara (pictured in header).

Originally from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, Emily grew up hearing her uncles sing, but also realised that women from her community rarely sang in public. Wanting to inspire and empower members of her community, especially young Indigenous women, to find their voice, Emily sings original music both in English and Anindilyakwa.